Toronto Invisalign Orthodontist Dr. Jason Tam Speaks to Canadian Orthos in Costa Rica

Dr. Jason Tam, your Elite Invisalign orthodontist at MCO Orthodontics, serving Richmond Hill, Markham, Stouffville, and Thornhill, recently took a quick trip down to San Jose, Costa Rica to speak about Invisalign as a technique rather than an as a commodity.  He discussed how orthodontists can become more proficient in this technique, and showed several case examples of how movements that were previously thought impossible with aligners, could actually be achieved.  His talk, closing lecture for the Canadian Orthodontic Invisalign Costa Rica Study Club, was thought provoking and very well-received.  No longer should it be asked if Invisalign can correct something.  The right question to ask the doctor is if he/she can correct something using Invisalign… a subtle but large difference.

Dr. Jason Tam speaking to orthodontists across Canada.

While down in Costa Rica, Dr. Tam visited the Invisalign Treat Facility, for the third time.  It is at this facility where the technicians modify ClinChecks based upon the directions of the doctor.  This type of regular interaction with key members of Dr. Tam’s Invisalign team ensures that the proper treatment plans are being developed, according to his instructions.  As the features of Invisalign change, and more complex malocclusions are corrected, the technician must be updated on how they will impact the desired ClinCheck program.

Dr. Tam at Costa Rica Invisalign Treat Facility with his Territory Manager Craig MacIntyre

To ensure proper continuity, Dr. Tam spoke extensively with the staff dentists at Align, and worked with a second technician to help work with his simulations.  This ensures Invisalign patients at MCO Orthodontics the consistency and level of excellence they deserve.

Dr. Tam with two of his technicians and Align dentist Dr. Guitterez

Dr. Tam would like to thank Align for inviting him to speak again, having spoken across Canada, United States, and now in the town of the Invisalign Headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica.  He is also grateful to his techs and dentists for their warm congratulations on Dr.Tam’s selection for the 2012 Invisalign Case Competition in Las Vegas.  MCO Orthodontics continues to work hard to stay at the forefront of Invisalign treatment in the world!

Invisalign SmartTrack Material Information from Dr. Jason Tam

There has been a lot of buzz about a new material called SmartTrack from Invisalign.  The following is information from the webinar from Align Technology regarding the release:

EX15 = Template material
EX30 = Original aligner material
EX40 = Vivera material

LD30 = SmartTrack material

As per Align webinar:

-new material started for cases approved after January 14, 2013 with full roll out by January 21, 2013

-thickness will be the same

-no BPA

-some increase in staining/clouding of the aligners

-all new refinements/midcourse corrections will get new material.  Replacement aligners using original EX30.

-easier insertion and removal of aligners

-more flexible and better adaptation to the teeth

-material to start with less initial pressure at start of two weeks but more pressure for a longer period of time

-allergies reported = those with EX30

-gliding sensation when inserting (less force on initial delivery)

-fewer broken/cracked aligners
-works well with SmartForce features

New Enhancements to Invisalign G4 (available Feb 23, 2013)
- root control for upper laterals similar to those for upper centrals/canines.  If lateral incisor is too small, then there is one attachment and up to two pressure points (3 force systems)
- root control for upper premolars similar to those for upper central.  If premolar is small, there will be one attachment and a pressure point
-attachments customized for each tooth based on morphology

Invisalign Outcome Simulator with Toronto Orthodontist

There have been a number of notable advancements in Invisalign care in the past few years.  One of the most recent is the Invisalign Outcome Simulator.  It is a useful tool for patients to get an idea of how their teeth might look after teeth are made straight.

An Invisalign iOC scanner is required to see the before and after simulation.  The scan is completed, and then the long axes of the teeth are marked.  The simulation takes about 5 minutes to complete, and then individual teeth can be adjusted to produce the final outcome.  Items such as extractions, IPR, expansion, etc can also be simulated.

Current dentition and then simulated outcome using Invisalign Simulation Outcome

A couple of very important things to note:

1.  The simulation cannot be saved for the doctor nor for the patient.  It is simply to be used as a tool to show what may happen.  The scanned teeth are good for sending to Align for Invisalign treatment.

2.  It is only a simulation, meaning it may not be a good representation of how teeth may actually end up.  It is also not a ClinCheck plan.

Nevertheless, it is an interesting tool that some patients may be interested in before beginning Invisalign treatment.  If you are in the Toronto area and interested in Invisalign or the Invisalign simulator, please visit our Markham Orthodontist website.

Toronto Invisalign Specialist Speaks at Best Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas

Every two years, Align Technologies asks doctors to submit their best Invisalign results for consideration in a competition at the Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas, hosting over 2500 attendees.  This year, they narrowed down the entries to 100 and then had orthodontists, in a double-blinded voting process, select the top 4 cases.

Markham, Ontario Invisalign Speaker's badge

Dr. Tam, your Unionville, Ontario Orthodontist, had one of his cases selected for presentation this year.  It was a teen-aged patient with a severe deep bite, severe large overjet, class 2 malocclusion, and refused to have braces.  The other doctors in the competition were Dr. Gerald Kim, Dr. Vladimir Tabakman, and Dr. John Sparaga.  All of these outstanding Invisalign doctors presented amazing cases, with Dr. Kim receiving the most votes by audience text messaging, to take home the title of the Invisalign Case Shootout champion.

Plaque for best Class 2 Invisalign Teen treatment

What was great about this year's competition is that it once again showcased the expanded borders of treatment with Invisalign with the right doctor.  When asking if you are an Invisalign candidate , remember that the answer to that question has mostly to do with the doctor's experience.



Dr. Tam with the other doctors presenting the best Invisalign cases of the past 2 years.

Dr. Passamano, Irvine Orthodontist, 2nd place in the University Invisalign competition, with Dr. Tam

Unionville Ontario Orthodontist Teaches Invisalign in Ottawa

There are many Invisalign certification courses allowing dentists and orthodontists to provide Invisalign in Toronto for their patients, but those courses teach doctors how to submit case materials rather than how to move teeth using this clear braces technique.

Toronto Invisalign Orthodontist lecturing to a room full of general dentists.

Dr. Tam is on the Invisalign Speaker's Bureau, traveling across North America to teach doctors how to actually use Invisalign with their patients.  As it is a technique to move teeth, it is important to realize that Invisalign treatment will be different depending on the experience level of the doctor.

Dr. Tam teaching a more advanced course in how to move teeth with Invisalign.

Not only is he one of the most sought after Toronto Invisalign specialists, he is also highly respected by his peers across North America.  Recently, he was invited to our nation's capital, Ottawa, Ontario, to speak at the Lord Elgin Hotel.  Over 30 dentists spent their Friday morning with Dr. Tam in a 3 hour session, while 8 orthodontists spent their afternoon in a more focussed tooth movement seminar.  He is happy to teach others how to use Invisalign properly and wants everyone to know that Invisalign results should be as good or better than those with traditional braces.  Remember to view Invisalign as a technique, rather than as a product!

Invisalign SmartTrack Aligner Material Coming in 2013

Several months ago, Dr. Tam was part of a market research project to discuss new properties for a potential Invisalign material.  As one of the leading Invisalign orthodontists in Toronto, he has been a part of discussions of products such as Invisalign Teen as well as SmartTrack.  All of these products require a non-disclosure, but today, this information was released to all orthodontists.

It seems like there is great potential for this material.  As always, these material developments and new attachments do not change the most important factor in successful treatment, namely, the experience of the doctor in moving your teeth using Invisalign.

Here is the release:

New! SmartTrack^™ Aligner Material

More Constant Force, More Consistent Control

The introduction of Nickel Titanium wire revolutionized fixed orthodontics with gentle, more constant force delivery. Now Invisalign introduces SmartTrack^™, a highly elastic aligner material that delivers gentle, more constant force to improve control of tooth movements with aligner treatment.

A study of patients treated with aligners made with SmartTrack shows statistically significant improvement in control of tooth movements such as rotations and extrusions (p<0.001).

One of the SmartTrack pilot doctors remarks that, "The clinical results so far have been excellent....the fit of the teeth from aligner to aligner is better than any group of patients I have had progress through my practice. Without a doubt, SmartTrack is the most exciting change in Invisalign technology – among the many that have been introduced in recent years."

Toronto Orthodontist discusses 6 month smiles, Invisalign Express

Most people who are looking for a Stouffville orthodontist want them done quickly.  Companies have responded to this innate human desire by coming up with products such as 6 months smiles, Toronto Invisalign Express, and more.

Considering 6 month smiles in Toronto?  Read on :)

Here is what you have to know about these products:

1.  Fast braces, 6 month smiles, and Invisalign Express work the same way as regular braces and Invisalign.  The same mechanical and biological principles that have applied to moving teeth for hundreds of years also apply.  They do not move teeth faster.

2.  They are "faster" because either the initial situation is not as difficult, or they do not correct all the problems present.  They are generally good for minor alignment issues.

3.  If you want to align your teeth without correcting your overbite, underbite, or overjet, this may be an option for you.

4.  All dentists in Ontario can do braces and Invisalign for their patients, but only orthodontists are specialists who use these treatment techniques following several years of additional training.  Remember that the doctor you choose will have a big impact on your final results.